Vehicle speed control system

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle speed control system, configured with off-road performance features, that will allow the driver to travel at a set speed in a smooth, controlled manner on various unmaintained surfaces without requiring the driver to press the brake or accelerator pedal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle speed control system for maintaining vehicle speed at a target speed when the control system is activated by a vehicle driver, the system comprising:
 a speed sensor for directly or indirectly determining the vehicle speed; 
 an engine controller for generating an engine torque request signal to operate an engine; drivetrain so as to control the vehicle speed at the target speed; 
 brake controller for generating a brake request signal to operate vehicle brakes so as to control the vehicle speed at the target speed; 
 wherein, when the vehicle encounters an obstacle and the vehicle speed falls to or near zero, the system operates to increase engine torque so as to climb the obstacle; and 
 wherein, at or near the time when the vehicle then begins to move and the vehicle speed is still below the target speed, the vehicle braking is increased to preload the brake system as a function of the target speed by preloading the brake system prior to the vehicle speed reaching the target speed.